AFRICA COTTON, TEXTILE AND APPAREL CENTRE

Policy Brief Vol. 1, 2025

Overview 

Mali is one of Africa’s leading cotton producers, with the industry serving as a key economic driver and a vital source of income for millions of rural farmers. Cotton production in Mali is primarily rain-fed, making it highly vulnerable to climate variability (Sacko & Cheng, 2023). The sector contributes significantly to Mali’s GDP and employment, but rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, droughts, and water shortages are severely disrupting production cycles (Kassambara et al., 2024). Climate change has imposed a set of challenges that are eroding the sustainability of cotton production. Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, drought, and water shortage have disrupted agricultural cycles and reduced cotton yields (Soviadan et al., 2019). These climatic conditions are further compounded by increased pest infestations and deteriorating soil fertility, which lower productivity and fiber quality (Cunningham et al., 2021). The effects of climate change go beyond cotton production to the textile sector in Mali. Beyond farming, these disruptions threaten the textile sector, which relies on a stable supply of raw materials (Hammar et al., 2024). Furthermore, global markets increasingly demand sustainably sourced cotton, making climate adaptation essential for Mali’s competitiveness. This policy brief explores climate change’s effects on Mali’s cotton and textile industry, supported by empirical data, and provides recommendations for sustainable adaptation strategies.

Challenges Facing Mali’s Cotton and Textile Industry

i. Climate Variability and Cotton Yield Loss:

Climate change has made rainfall patterns increasingly erratic, causing sowing delays that significantly reduce cotton yields. Research conducted at the Malian agricultural stations (Kassambara et al., 2024) indicates that:

•           Early planting yields 1,263 kg/ha.

•           Delayed planting reduces yields to 361 kg/ha.

•           Average yield loss due to climate change: 515 kg/ha per farmer (Soviadan et al., 2019).

Higher temperatures accelerate soil water evaporation, hampering plant growth and fiber quality. Without mitigation measures, Mali’s cotton sector faces long-term sustainability risks.

ii. Water Scarcity and Limited Irrigation:

Water scarcity is progressively becoming an issue for Malian cotton farmers. Cotton cultivation in the country relies heavily on rainfall, and long dry periods considerably affect yields. Cotton farming requires significant water—20,000 liters per kilogram of cotton (Sacko & Cheng, 2023). However, frequent droughts and declining groundwater reserves are straining production. Although irrigation could mitigate a water shortage, the adoption of irrigation systems remains limited due to high costs. The high cost of irrigation systems, coupled with the depletion of groundwater reserves, poses significant constraints for widespread implementation. Without sufficient water resources, Mali’s cotton farmers remain highly vulnerable to climate-induced disruptions.

iii. Economic Vulnerability of Cotton Farmers:

Climate change has severe financial consequences for Malian farmers. Reduced yields translate directly into financial losses for farmers. Evidence from research shows that farmers lose about US $745 per farmer through reduced productivity and increased production costs (Soviadan et al., 2019).  For smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the cotton industry, these financial setbacks limit their ability to invest in better farming practices and technologies. The economic vulnerability of cotton farmers is further worsened by Volatile world cotton prices. As production costs rise due to climate change challenges, farmers find it so difficult to compete in international markets. Restricted access to financial resources and credit hinders farmers’ capacity to adapt to changing conditions

iv. Pest and Disease Infestation:

Higher temperatures and higher humidity have created favourable conditions for pests and diseases that threaten cotton crops. Mali’s cotton farmers have reported higher infestations of bollworms and fungal infections, both of which reduce yields and degrade fiber quality (Cunningham et al., 2021). The cost of pest control has also increased, placing additional financial strain on farmers. Many smallholder farmers lack access to affordable pest management solutions, making them more vulnerable to crop losses. If not addressed, these issues will persist in hindering Mali’s cotton sector.

v. Challenges in the Textile Industry:

The effects of climate change on cotton farming also extend to Mali’s textile industry. Cotton processing and textile production rely on a stable supply of raw materials, and any disruptions in cotton farming directly affect textile manufacturing. Climate issues have caused instability in cotton supplies, compelling textile mills to produce below capacity. The international market is also moving toward sustainable production of cotton, and Mali’s textile sector needs to conform to the emerging standards. The adoption of sustainable production practices and better efficiency in the use of resources is necessary to keep Mali’s textile exports competitive (Hammar et al., 2024).

Policy Recommendations

i. Enhance Climate-Resilient Farming Practices:

Improving climate resilience in cotton farming requires adopting better agricultural practices. Encouraging early planting can maximize cotton yields, whereas delayed planting significantly reduces output. Farmers should be motivated to plant early to achieve high output. In addition, the development and distribution of heat-tolerant and drought-resistant cotton seed varieties will minimize the effects of rising temperatures. Incorporating organic farming practices, like the application of optimized compost, can enhance soil productivity along with fertility.

ii. Improve Water Management and Irrigation Systems: 

Water scarcity continues to be a significant constraint for cotton producers in Mali. Investing in climate-smart irrigation technologies, including drip irrigation and water-conserving agriculture systems, can minimize reliance on irregular rainfall. Encouraging rainwater harvesting and water use efficiency in cotton production can ensure a more sustainable source of water. Enhancing national and regional water governance policies will also be crucial in facilitating sustainable water resource management and fair distribution among cotton farmers.

iii. Expand Access to Climate Information and Financial Support:

Equipping cotton farmers with real-time climate data will support informed planting and harvesting decisions. Implementing early warning systems will enable farmers to prepare for disastrous weather events and take necessary action. Scaling up agricultural credit and climate insurance programs will provide farmers with financial cushioning against climatic losses, allowing them to recover and reinvest in their farms. Capacity building and training programs also need to be initiated to raise the awareness of farmers on climate adaptation practices.

iv. Strengthen Pest and Disease Management:

The rising temperatures have contributed to higher pest and disease infestation of Mali’s cotton crop. Integrated pest management (IPM) strategies that include the use of biological pest control solutions need to be encouraged to help cut down the use of chemical pesticides. Encouraging research into resistant cotton species can also serve as a countermeasure for pest losses. Establishing farmer training initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable pest control measures will also enhance climate-related infestation tolerance.

v. Foster Sustainability in Mali’s Textile Industry:

Mali’s textile industry must adapt to global sustainability trends to remain competitive. Encouraging sustainable cotton certification schemes can enable access to environmentally friendly markets. Policies that promote recycled cotton textiles and circular economy models should be encouraged to enhance the sustainability of the textile sector. Investing in modern textile manufacturing technologies will also help reduce the industry’s environmental footprint and improve overall efficiency.

Conclusion

Mali’s cotton and textile industry is facing increasing risks due to climate change, including yield losses, water scarcity, pest infestations, and financial instability. Immediate policy interventions are essential to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability and global competitiveness. Relevant stakeholders should implement climate-resilient agricultural practices, expand irrigation, improve financial access, strengthen pest control, and modernise the textile sector; Mali can protect its cotton industry and secure a prosperous future for its farmers.

References

Cunningham, M.A., Wright, N.S., Mort Ranta, P.B., Benton, H.K., Ragy, H.G., Edington, C.J., and Kellner, C.A., 2021. Mapping Vulnerability of Cotton to Climate Change in West Africa: Challenges for Sustainable Development. Climate, 9(68), pp. 1-16.

Hammar, T., Peñaloza, D., Hanning, A-C., 2024. Life cycle assessment of a circular textile value chain: the case of a garment made from chemically recycled cotton. The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, Volume 29, p. 1880–1898.

Kassambara, E. M., Loison, R., Sissoko, S., Traoré, A., and Bretaudeau, A., 2024. Effects of planting date and density on cotton cultivars in sub-Saharan Africa rainfed conditions: A case study in Mali. Agronomy Journal, 11(6), p. 2764–2775.

Sacko, D., and Cheng, H., 2023. Water sustainability of sub-Saharan African cotton industry: evidence from Mali. industria textila, 74(6), pp. 697-705.

Soviadan, M.K., Koffi-Tessio, E.M., Enete, A.A. and Nweze, N.J., 2019. Impact of Climate Change on Cotton Production: Case of Savannah Region, Northern Togo.. Agricultural Sciences, 10(07), pp. 927-947.

@Copyright – This is the publication of the Africa Cotton, Textile and Apparel Centre (Africa CTA Centre) at the International Trade and Research Centre (ITRC). For additional information: contact@it-rc.org